Letting your property short-term on the French Riviera is attractive, but governed by regulations that are precise — and increasingly enforced. Declaration, registration number, change of use, taxation: here is the essential you need to know before letting a furnished tourism property, in Nice, Cannes or elsewhere on the coast.
This article is intended as general information; it does not replace personalised legal or tax advice.
What is a furnished tourism property?
A furnished tourism property is a furnished home let to a passing clientele who do not take up residence there, for a short period (per night, per week or per month). This is the framework for Airbnb, Booking or Abritel-type lettings.
The declaration to the town hall and the registration number
In most tourist towns of the French Riviera, including Nice, letting a furnished tourism property requires:
- A declaration to the town hall.
- Obtaining a registration number, which must appear on every listing.
Platforms now require this number, and non-compliance exposes you to penalties. The precise rules vary from one town to another: check with your town hall.
Change of use
For a second home, some towns require an authorisation for change of use to convert a residential home into a furnished tourism property. This scheme, stricter in high-pressure areas, may come with compensation rules. This is a point to check without fail depending on the town and the status of the property.
The building co-ownership
The co-ownership regulations may restrict, govern or even prohibit short-term letting. Before you start, check what your regulations provide to avoid any dispute.
The tourist tax
The tourist tax is collected from travellers and paid to the local authority. Depending on the booking channel, it may be levied by the platform or be your responsibility: make sure it is properly collected and paid over.
The taxation of income
The income from a furnished letting falls under BIC (industrial and commercial profits), with various possible schemes (micro-BIC or actual), and the status of non-professional furnished lessor (LMNP) for many owners. The choice of scheme has a real impact: support from a chartered accountant is strongly recommended.
How to stay serene in the face of the regulations
Between the declaration, registration number, co-ownership, tourist tax and taxation, achieving compliance can be off-putting. A property concierge supports owners through these steps and ensures obligations are met day to day — in particular displaying the registration number on listings. For a local focus, see our guide on seasonal letting in Nice.
In Summary
Letting a furnished tourism property on the French Riviera involves declaration, registration number, compliance with co-ownership rules, tourist tax and BIC/LMNP taxation. The rules change and vary from one town to another: get informed and get support to let with complete peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the registration number mandatory?
In most tourist towns of the French Riviera, including Nice, yes: it results from a declaration to the town hall and must appear on every listing.
What is change of use?
An authorisation, required in some towns, to convert a residential home into a furnished tourism property, particularly for a second home in a high-pressure area.
How is income from a furnished letting taxed?
It falls under BIC, with the LMNP status for many owners and a choice of scheme (micro-BIC or actual). A chartered accountant is recommended.
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